Experts tout the benefits of family meals. When Mom, Dad and the kids sit down at the table and pass the peas and engage each other in pleasant conversation, good things happen. Studies indicate that everyone eats healthier, and the children perform well in school and demonstrate excellent social skills.

What an exciting time to live in Columbia County! Personally, aside from a few months of cooler weather, I think our county has all of the amenities that continue to attract new residents. We have a lot to be proud of in our community. As the New Year begins, I hope to be able to give you updates throughout the year, not only about upcoming events, but other information that you may find insightful and helpful.

Those who wish to save the old Evans teacher’s cottage have only about a month to come up with a plan.

The property is under contract to sell – the owners will not say to whom – and the buyer wants the site cleared by Feb. 28.

It is about the last structural remnant of the old Evans community. Built about 1930, it served as a dormitory for the women who taught at the original Evans school across Washington Road. Most recently, it was known as the site of the Strictly Country gift shop, which was operated by Rachel Robertson for 25 years.

ATLANTA — Two issues keep popping up in conversations under the Gold Dome in the week-old legislative session: guns and marijuana.

Many of the issues lawmakers grapple with are either very complex or painfully dull – or both – and don’t spark much passion, especially among the general public. There are never any rallies or street marches about post-adoption contracts, the definition of “game fish,” and sewer fees charged to customers outside a provider’s geographical boundaries.

State school Superintendent John Barge is on a political suicide mission.

He decided last year not to try for another term as the elected head of Georgia’s Department of Education, choosing instead to run for governor in the Republican primary against incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal and Dalton Mayor David Pennington.

As I approached the grocery store, his appraisal was obvious. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him grin. At me. The vestiges of a once healthy smile poked from his grey-ish gums in random, sparse arrangements. Ragged coveralls hung on his wiry, tobacco-stained frame. Greasy hair sprang from beneath his backwards ball-cap.

After 21 years of marriage, a girl starts to think, This isn’t so bad. Still, I pretended not to see him. I was in no condition to receive these amorous favors.